This cheery cooperative preschool is a Castro Valley institution, having "graduated" generations of locals since 1949. Parents contribute time, including regular work days, as well as fees to the kids' care and the school's upkeep. Patti Brohard, director since 2001, has a degree from UC Berkeley, a Montessori credential from Sonoma State and many years of experience as a parent educator and pre-kindergarten teacher. Sessions are half-day, with mornings for the 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds, and afternoons for the 4-year-old and 5-year-old pre-kindergartners.